bcarney Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 Credit card points cashed in, Final payment made, switched from MTD to 6PM Traditional, and booked some excursions. Except for figuring out what to do in Nassau, cruise planning for Oasis on April 5 is done. Now the daily countdown begins! :D Don and Shawn 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted January 13, 2014 Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 Credit card points cashed in, Final payment made, switched from MTD to 6PM Traditional, and booked some excursions. Except for figuring out what to do in Nassau, cruise planning for Oasis on April 5 is done. Now the daily countdown begins! :D Finished ours 120 days out, it's like now what do we do - too early to, pack. Did you try to schedule MTD before switching & if so how far out did the scheduleing become available? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcarney Posted January 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 When our TA made our reservation, back in early September, she said that MTD was the only time available. This is not the first time where we booked a long ways out and found that MTD was the only thing available. I'm starting to suspect that commissions are based on a percentage of the total bill and on MTD you have to prepay tips, so…but I don't know that for a fact. Anyhow, we prefer Traditional dining (it seems less rushed to us) so we switched at the first opportunity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 13, 2014 Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 When our TA made our reservation, back in early September, she said that MTD was the only time available. This is not the first time where we booked a long ways out and found that MTD was the only thing available. I'm starting to suspect that commissions are based on a percentage of the total bill and on MTD you have to prepay tips, so…but I don't know that for a fact. Anyhow, we prefer Traditional dining (it seems less rushed to us) so we switched at the first opportunity. I should call my TA and see about changing too. We prefer traditional dining too but for our Navigator of the Seas cruise next month, we are in late seating. I was planning on talking to head waiter on embarkation day but worth seeing if something has changed since then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted January 13, 2014 Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 When our TA made our reservation, back in early September, she said that MTD was the only time available. This is not the first time where we booked a long ways out and found that MTD was the only thing available. I'm starting to suspect that commissions are based on a percentage of the total bill and on MTD you have to prepay tips, so…but I don't know that for a fact. Anyhow, we prefer Traditional dining (it seems less rushed to us) so we switched at the first opportunity. We prefer MTD. The problem we have had is not being able to get some of our preferred seating times when they start accepting reservation times. Reservations are still blocked on our May sailing - checking it every day. I could believe the TA profit theory. Just fired our TA last week and went back to serving as our own TA. TA cost me $800 on airfare because they didn't book when fares dropped - even when I called them to tell them to book. They should have been calling me. Found I was spending more time making sure they were doing their job than it took to do it myself. Not the first problem i had noticed. Moral, don't use AAA. Shawn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 We prefer MTD. The problem we have had is not being able to get some of our preferred seating times when they start accepting reservation times. Reservations are still blocked on our May sailing - checking it every day. I could believe the TA profit theory. Just fired our TA last week and went back to serving as our own TA. TA cost me $800 on airfare because they didn't book when fares dropped - even when I called them to tell them to book. They should have been calling me. Found I was spending more time making sure they were doing their job than it took to do it myself. Not the first problem i had noticed. Moral, don't use AAA. Sorry to hear about your experience. I think when it comes to cruises, using a cruise-focused TA helps a lot. AAA is good for some trips but I don't think cruises are one of them. Don 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 Sorry to hear about your experience. I think when it comes to cruises, using a cruise-focused TA helps a lot. AAA is good for some trips but I don't think cruises are one of them. Being retired I have plenty of time to research. The way I shop is plan ahead, ie looking at British Isles & Greek Isles in 2015 & 2016 & track fares so we know what good (average) & great ( far below avg) rates are. When we see the great deal we book it. For example our May 2014 West Med fare we booked one year in advance for $1049 + $150 on-board future cruise cabin credit, thus real fare is $974 per person. Today's fare is $1964. TA May have got that rate by accident but I don 't think they would spend 6-18 months looking for best deal. They would want to book when you ask & promise $ reduction if rate drops. Cruise lines typically can isolate categories so YOUR category price does not drop. Use the same scheme for air fares -- that's why I fired AAA when they didn't book at $687 for Europe when avg fare is $1000-$1100, just inexcursable especially when I called to tell the agent it was a great fare & time to book. Ergo I'm again my own TA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcarney Posted January 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 I've been booking my own flights since my third or fourth cruise; not really sure why I go through a TA for the cruise booking other than it's habit. One time she got us a Family cabin - usually requires 5+ people, but she was able to get it for us w/4 people - but other than that it's been standard "here's the price" service. I think I'll get a NCC on the upcoming cruise and book direct from now on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 When you request your NextCruise certificate, make sure that you mark on the form not to use your existing TA for the new booking. The default is that your NextCruise booking will be affiliated with the same TA for your current cruise. The nice thing about a NextCruise booking that's not affiliated with a TA is that if you change your mind and want to move it to a TA, you have 60 days after you convert it to an actual booking (with a particular ship and date) to transfer it to a TA. Don 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 14, 2014 Report Share Posted January 14, 2014 The nice thing about a NextCruise booking that's not affiliated with a TA is that if you change your mind and want to move it to a TA, you have 60 days after you convert it to an actual booking (with a particular ship and date) to transfer it to a TA. I really, really like NCCs. They are something I tell everyone to get because it's such a small investment for a good reward. That and it encourages more Royal Caribbean cruises! :D RoyalLaker 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn Posted January 15, 2014 Report Share Posted January 15, 2014 Leaving April 6 on Allure! Just can't wait! Thanks Matt for the adventure ocean and nursery idea for during dinner from the podcast. Great fall back if the babysitting falls through. Any need to link to reservations if doing MTD? Don, there is a fun app for tracking the price of the various cabin categories on a cruise called Cruise Puppy. No affiliation. It's just a fun way to watch the price fluctuate as the calendar counts down. Don 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted January 15, 2014 Report Share Posted January 15, 2014 When you request your NextCruise certificate, make sure that you mark on the form not to use your existing TA for the new booking. The default is that your NextCruise booking will be affiliated with the same TA for your current cruise. The nice thing about a NextCruise booking that's not affiliated with a TA is that if you change your mind and want to move it to a TA, you have 60 days after you convert it to an actual booking (with a particular ship and date) to transfer it to a TA. They are very strict about the 60 day limit on agent changes. I tried to switch to another agent after firing AAA -- took challenge of the 60 day rule though 3 levels of management before I gave up. Probably could have been able to succeed if I kept pushing it but needed to get on with booking inter-national air & pre-cruise hotel. Not a problem, did it all through RCI in about 30 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 15, 2014 Report Share Posted January 15, 2014 Leaving April 6 on Allure! Just can't wait! Thanks Matt for the adventure ocean and nursery idea for during dinner from the podcast. Great fall back if the babysitting falls through. Any need to link to reservations if doing MTD? The only reason to link reservations with someone else's is to be in same traditional dining table as them or to book excursions together as one group. So if you are doing MTD, I don't see a need, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted January 15, 2014 Report Share Posted January 15, 2014 Leaving April 6 on Allure! Just can't wait! Thanks Matt for the adventure ocean and nursery idea for during dinner from the podcast. Great fall back if the babysitting falls through. Any need to link to reservations if doing MTD? Don, there is a fun app for tracking the price of the various cabin categories on a cruise called Cruise Puppy. No affiliation. It's just a fun way to watch the price fluctuate as the calendar counts down. Thanks for the app tip, trying it looks interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Leaving April 6 on Allure! Just can't wait! Thanks Matt for the adventure ocean and nursery idea for during dinner from the podcast. Great fall back if the babysitting falls through. Any need to link to reservations if doing MTD? Don, there is a fun app for tracking the price of the various cabin categories on a cruise called Cruise Puppy. No affiliation. It's just a fun way to watch the price fluctuate as the calendar counts down. Tried the Cruise Puppy App, it doesn't track to the lowest price. Set it up to track Enchantment Bahamas Sep 2014, 4 night trips. Cruise Puppy shows $335 price same as Royal Caribbean site. My go to site vacationstogo.com offers all Sep 4 night trips at $239 -- Cruise Puppy price tracking is 50% higher. I often find VTG price lowest to be found & in many cases when price is same, they offer cabin credits not available elsewhere. For example, on our Dec Bahamas trip best price everywhere was $224 including RCI site. VTG offered same price with a $75 cabin credit not available elsewhere. I have found VTG service to be excellent. If you choose to use them ask for Jina Ward at extension 7423 for her direct line, you won't be disappointed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Tried the Cruise Puppy App, it doesn't track to the lowest price. Set it up to track Enchantment Bahamas Sep 2014, 4 night trips. Cruise Puppy shows $335 price same as Royal Caribbean site. My go to site vacationstogo.com offers all Sep 4 night trips at $239 -- Cruise Puppy price tracking is 50% higher. I often find VTG price lowest to be found & in many cases when price is same, they offer cabin credits not available elsewhere. For example, on our Dec Bahamas trip best price everywhere was $224 including RCI site. VTG offered same price with a $75 cabin credit not available elsewhere. I have found VTG service to be excellent. If you choose to use them ask for Jina Ward at extension 7423 for her direct line, you won't be disappointed. Does VTG include taxes and port fees in that price? Don 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Does VTG include taxes and port fees in that price? That price includes port fees, but not tax same as RCI site. For this cruise tax is $73.63, same as if your booked via RCI. Since the time I looked at the VTG site this morning they are now also offering a $75 cabin credit for Sep 8 sailing. While typical price with tax will be $408 VTG price is $239 + 73.63 tax = $313. Considering the $75 cabin credit the rate drops to about $276. Thus total price for two would be something like $916 vs $558. I've even seen VTG offering the $75 credit when the inside cabin price was $99 last Fall -- at that time RCI fare was also $99. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 That price includes port fees, but not tax same as RCI site. For this cruise tax is $73.63, same as if your booked via RCI. Since the time I looked at the VTG site this morning they are now also offering a $75 cabin credit for Sep 8 sailing. While typical price with tax will be $408 VTG price is $239 + 73.63 tax = $313. Considering the $75 cabin credit the rate drops to about $276. Thus total price for two would be something like $916 vs $558. I've even seen VTG offering the $75 credit when the inside cabin price was $99 last Fall -- at that time RCI fare was also $99. Makes sense. Royal Caribbean changed their policy a few years ago where the price of the cruise has to be the same everywhere, TA or direct. That being said, "total price" can differ thanks to group space, onboard credits and other booking incentives. But technically price is the same everywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcarney Posted January 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 I really, really like NCCs. They are something I tell everyone to get because it's such a small investment for a good reward. That and it encourages more Royal Caribbean cruises! :D Wow, I wish I would have investigated this more back in the past… I could have saved some serious coin. I've looked at other cruise lines and have been tempted (particularly NCL with their considerably-lower 3/4 pax rates, which would help keep costs down re: my kids), but I keep coming back to Royal. I should probably just "put a ring on her finger" and purchase the NCC on day 1 on Oasis, LOL! Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Wow, I wish I would have investigated this more back in the past… I could have saved some serious coin. I've looked at other cruise lines and have been tempted (particularly NCL with their considerably-lower 3/4 pax rates, which would help keep costs down re: my kids), but I keep coming back to Royal. I should probably just "put a ring on her finger" and purchase the NCC on day 1 on Oasis, LOL! In the past, you had to speak to the loyalty ambassador but now you can just fill out a form, drop it off and done. Barely any time invested Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 I like that app to just watch the price fluctuations. It doesn't seem to show previous price history prior to selecting the particular cruise. It's interesting to watch the prices right before "sales." Also, I noticed that in general the prices really haven't seemed to drop below the original price set way out until past final payment date. Just proving, Matt is right (always) ;)! Book way out or shop the last minute deals! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryce G. Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Interesting. When I bought my NCC, I don't remember if I used a TA for that sailing, and whether or not I selected to use the same TA. Any way I can change that? I found a Costco deal that's far superior to my TA, and that's what I plan on using... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 If your NCC is associated with a TA, you have to get that TA to release it back to Royal Caribbean so that it could then be subsequently transferred to Costco. You should be able to call Royal Caribbean to find out whether the NCC does have a TA listed on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 If your NCC is associated with a TA, you have to get that TA to release it back to Royal Caribbean so that it could then be subsequently transferred to Costco. You should be able to call Royal Caribbean to find out whether the NCC does have a TA listed on it. That is correct Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryce G. Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 I have the printed version of my NCC at home. Will it be listed on there? Also, can I have that TA transfer it to Costco before I actually book? Or do I have to book, then transfer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Also, can I have that TA transfer it to Costco before I actually book? Or do I have to book, then transfer? You have to have the NCC transferred to Costco before using it to get them credit. Or at least that's the preferred method of using them with a TA. And yes, the TA you used should be on the NCC if you stated one when you booked it. Or call Royal and have them tell you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryce G. Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 I'll check it out when I get home. Enough miles for 2 round trip flights + the deal that Costco is offering + the Wow sale. Let's do this (soon--as soon as the company announces what our bonus is). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 I'll check it out when I get home. Enough miles for 2 round trip flights + the deal that Costco is offering + the Wow sale. Let's do this (soon--as soon as the company announces what our bonus is). Can your bonus cover us too? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryce G. Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Can your bonus cover us too? :) If things go as planned, 10-15 years from now, quite possibly! ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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